Following a notorious failed attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky in the 1970s, Frank Herbert's bestselling sci-fi epic Dune finally made it to the big screen as the third film by emerging wunderkind David Lynch, featuring an all-star cast that includes several of Lynch's regular collaborators.

The year is 10,191, and four planets are embroiled in a secret plot to wrest control of the Spice Melange, the most precious substance in the universe and found only on the planet Arrakis. A feud between two powerful dynasties, House Atreides and House Harkonnen, is manipulated from afar by ruling powers that conspire to keep their grip on the spice. As the two families clash on Arrakis, Duke Atreides' son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan, in his screen debut) finds himself at the center of an intergalactic war and an ancient prophecy that could change the galaxy forever.

Though its initial reception ensured that Lynch largely eschewed mainstream filmmaking for the rest of his career, Dune has since been rightly re-evaluated as one of the most startlingly original and visionary science fiction films of the 1980s.

Dune
Director: David Lynch
Running time: 2h 20m
Year: 1984
Rated: PG

Concession opens and music starts at 7:00pm

Film starts at 8:30pm

Admission to Deckchair Cinema is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group, and includes popcorn as well as access to the Gallery’s summer exhibition Star Witnesses, a cosmic journey through art and history.

Reserve a picnic table by donating in advance

View the full Deckchair Cinema 2025 here

About Deckchair Cinema
You are invited to enjoy classic films under the stars on Cates Deck in front of the Gallery. Now in its fourth year, Deckchair Cinema treats audiences to a summer of al fresco film screenings. Hosted for nine Thursdays beginning July 3, the screenings commence at sunset, and will be complemented by music and entertainment leading up to curtain time. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and make themselves comfortable by bringing their own blankets or low chairs. A concession stand will feature drinks from Strathcona Beer Company.